Gqeberha plant gives Foton a base as Tunland PHEV, Galaxus arrive
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
- Industry News
- 4 November 2026
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
Industry observers say the shift in consumer behaviour is already visible. Fuel purchases reportedly declined by 35% in April compared with the previous month, highlighting how drivers are reducing trips and looking for cheaper ways to travel.
According to Robin van Rensburg, Managing Director of The Nexus Collective, commuter motorcycles are becoming an increasingly attractive solution for urban South Africans seeking meaningful savings.
Among the models gaining attention is the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, a lightweight commuter bike priced at R44 999. Designed for daily city travel, the motorcycle combines fuel efficiency with features typically associated with more premium bikes, including dual-channel ABS, riding modes and Bluetooth connectivity.
The biggest advantage, however, lies in long-term ownership costs.
A typical entry-level hatchback priced around R220 000 can cost motorists close to R9 500 a month once repayments, insurance, fuel, maintenance and licensing are factored in. Comparable estimates for the Apache place monthly ownership costs at around R3 000.
Fuel efficiency plays a major role in the savings. The Apache’s 197.75cc fuel-injected engine consumes roughly 2.6 litres per 100 km under normal riding conditions. For a commuter travelling 1 500km each month, fuel costs come to just over R1,000. An equivalent hatchback using 6.5litres per 100km would require approximately R2,600 in fuel over the same distance.
Insurance premiums also favour motorcycles. Comprehensive cover for a commuter bike typically costs a fraction of what drivers pay for an entry-level car, while servicing and tyre replacement expenses remain considerably lower.
Robin van Rensburg believes motorcycles are increasingly being viewed as practical transport solutions rather than niche lifestyle purchases. He notes that while bikes are not suitable for every commuter, particularly families or long-distance travellers, they offer substantial savings for people travelling alone on predictable daily routes.
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.
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